An uphill battle Meaning in English
expression
Definition
A situation or task that is very difficult to succeed at, usually requiring a lot of effort and perseverance.
Usage & Nuances
Idiom, informal to neutral register. Used to describe anything very challenging or that faces strong opposition. Similar expressions: 'an uphill task', 'a losing battle,' but 'an uphill battle' emphasizes effort and possible (but difficult) success. Commonly paired with 'face', 'is', 'win', 'fight'.
Example Sentences
Learning English can feel like an uphill battle at first.
basic
He faces an uphill battle trying to change people's minds.
basic
Fixing the broken system is an uphill battle for the new manager.
basic
Getting everyone to agree on the new plan was an uphill battle, but we did it.
natural
For small businesses, surviving the first year can be an uphill battle.
natural
Convincing my parents to let me study abroad was definitely an uphill battle.
natural